Worms in the human body: photos and treatment methods

what worms can live in the human body

Even the development of technologies and household chemicals with a variety of detergents does not rid our society of parasite infestation.The number one reason is dirty hands.

There are types of worms that are not dangerous to humans and can be removed from the body without much difficulty.However, parasitologists also know of those that kill their prey.

What worms can live inside us?

Helminths can settle in both animal and human bodies.It is not for nothing that they are called parasites, as they feed on the body's resources that they infect.And worms harm not only by eating the foods we should eat, but also disrupt the normal functioning of the liver, heart, lungs and other organs.There are known cases of its penetration into the hearing aid, eyes and brain.

Experts divided those who most often come as unwanted “guests” into three groups.These types of parasites have become champions in the number of infections, as more than 70% of recorded cases of infection belong to them.

Here is its brief description:

  1. RoundwormsThey combine pinworms, roundworms and the so-called canine roundworms (another name is toxocara).
  2. Protozoan parasites.These include lamblia, amoebas, toxoplasmosis and malaria plasmodia.
  3. Flatworms.This class includes echinococci, tapeworm (diphyllobothriasis), and bovine tapeworm.

The cause of helminthiasis (helminthic infection) can be any of 150 types of parasitic creatures.Scientists have discovered many more of them;Science knows 12,000 species of helminths.Let's see below which worms live in the human body.

The most common types are:

  1. Pinworms.Very small white worms that live and reproduce in the gastrointestinal tract of their prey.This type of worm causes more damage because it disrupts the microflora of the intestinal tract.This negative impact causes subsequent diseases of the genitourinary system, enterobiasis, disorders of the nervous system, retardation of physical growth and mental development.The main routes of human infection are dirty hands, unwashed food and pets.
  2. Roundworms.These worms, which develop in the human body, sometimes reach 0.4 meters in length.Ascaris is able to move into the lung area from its permanent habitat, the intestinal tract.During the journey, the worm damages tissues, which causes them to hemorrhage.When the larvae are expelled from the upper respiratory tract, they enter the oral cavity and are swallowed by the digestive system.An outside observer mistakes this type of cough for a cold.They also cause harm by poisoning the microflora of the intestinal tract with toxins.In turn, they feed on useful substances intended for us.Poisoning the body leads to allergies, as well as asthma attacks and suffocation.Dirty hands are roundworms' favorite mode of transportation when moving to a new body.
  3. Whipworm.It takes a well-deserved third place in terms of the number of infections.This worm enters the body of a new victim through poorly processed foods.It causes the disease trichuriasis.The patient loses his appetite and complains of abdominal pain, anemia and diarrhea.The external manifestations of the disease cannot be immediately distinguished from an attack of appendicitis.
  4. Wide ribbon.In some ways, this worm claims to be the champion in length, as it sometimes reaches 10 meters or more.But there are more genuine parasites.It is established through ingestion of freshwater fish.The worm sucks from the “owner” everything that should strengthen and nourish the person himself.It is not selective in damaging organs and can harm anyone.Signs of infestation by this worm are headaches and hallucinations (if it penetrates the brain), nausea and vomiting.Its actions and partly its appearance are similar to pork and beef tapeworms, but they are longer than this worm.
  5. Hookwormsdo not penetrate through food and the oral cavity.Their route of entry is different, as they infect us through the skin.Living in contaminated soil, they seem to wait for contact with people.Their harm lies in the fact that hookworms damage the intestines and lungs, and also feed on blood.Symptoms are associated with abdominal pain and problems with the esophagus.
  6. Trichinella.Helminthic infestation occurs when eating meat (especially game).Its presence in the body provides the following external manifestations:
    • abdominal pain;
    • itch;
    • high temperature (after two weeks of stay);
    • intestinal disorders;
    • rash.

    Important.Worms of this type cause damage to the muscle tissue of a person's limbs and face, harm the respiratory system and even the heart, which leads to death.

    types of parasites in the human body
  7. Liver flukeit settles in a person through the ingestion of fish previously affected by it.This worm causes damage to the gallbladder and intestines.Signs of worm infestation: allergies and nausea, abdominal pain and cramps, joint pain and high fever.If the disease becomes chronic, the next stage may be hepatitis.The most dire consequences of liver fluke infestation are cirrhosis and cancer.If this helminth is destroyed and removed, the damage it causes will be quite noticeable, leaving inflammation in the liver.
  8. Echinococcus.Tapeworms are also quite large and grow up to 5 meters.They lead a parasitic life of dogs, wolves and cats.When a person comes into contact with them, the worms first harm the intestines and then migrate throughout the body.The preferred sites for its settlement are the liver and lungs.The places where they are located are mistakenly diagnosed as a cancerous tumor or cyst.Some doctors use the term “cyst” because it looks like a growth and reaches a very large size.When an imaginary tumor explodes, its contents severely poison the entire human body.

People sometimes overlook helminth infestation as an unpleasant but easily tolerated disease.Therefore, their beliefs do not encourage them to be extremely careful when coming into contact with any type of dirt, poorly processed foods, or contact with pets.

This criminal negligence has its sad results.Worms are capable of killing their prey, as well as causing pain and organ damage.The most dangerous are helminths that feed on blood and useful substances inside humans.

The differences between parasitic worms lie in the degree of damage caused and the method of penetration into the body of a new “host”.Echinococci are known for forming cysts, bovine tapeworm harms the intestines, and opisthorchis consistently eats the liver.Every day she loses a certain number of cells.

Parasites from the protozoan class reproduce very quickly when suitable conditions are created for this.Giardia appears to have been hidden for some time and there are no manifestations.Toxoplasma reaches a person's head, affecting their brain, which affects the victim's behavior.

The malaria plasmodium destroys blood cells and can lead to death.

Consequences of infection:

  • development of malignant tumors;
  • immunity weakens;
  • Metabolism is disturbed.

For the most part, helminths settle in the intestinal tract, liver and lungs.Some cases indicate damage to muscle tissue, joints, eyes and brain.Thanks to blood flow, parasites are able to migrate throughout the body, causing problems wherever they appear.

Symptoms of the presence of parasites

The manifestations of helminthic infestation are very different from each other.But they also have common symptoms:

what parasites can live in the human body
  • muscle pain that weakens and swells;
  • joints hurt, although they have not been injured;
  • the liver and spleen increase in size;
  • rash;
  • high temperature.

You can add to them:

  • itching near the anus, pain in the abdomen, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating, perhaps even intestinal obstruction, the person becomes weaker and complains of anemia;
  • Poisoning by parasitic secretions disrupts the functioning of the nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness and nausea.Since parasites eat substances designed to strengthen a person, the body weakens and constantly feels drowsy, tired for no reason, disturbed sleep and it becomes difficult to even carry out serious mental work;
  • itchy skin and allergies, hives, brittle hair and nails, signs of bronchial asthma, rhinitis and dry cough;
  • weakened immunity gives access to various types of infections, inflammation in the mouth and nose causes stomatitis, sinusitis and sinusitis;
  • Women develop inflammation of the appendages and discharge with a fishy odor (bacterial vaginosis).

Sometimes worms bring the body of an infected person to such a state that a full and healthy life, even after their removal, is no longer possible.Therefore, if you discover any of the symptoms, immediately consult a doctor.

Photos of Worms That Can Live in You

Worms of different types, sizes and shapes can settle in the human body.They use any migration method to live at the expense of others.It is believed that 4/5 of the population of our planet is infested with helminths and carries various parasites.A person may not even realize that he is not the only one who eats, but also a “tenant” of the intestine.

Symptoms of its presence are not immediately and clearly expressed in all people.A long stay of worms will lead the body to chronic diseases.It is believed that many diseases begin with worms.Before starting treatment, you must first recognize your inner enemy so as not to fight blindly.

Worms that settle in humans are divided into types:

  • roundworms;
  • tapeworms;
  • chance.

Even looking at a photo of a parasite is not a very pleasant experience, but carrying it is much worse.People think someone else might have an infestation, but it won't affect me.What a shock it is when they discover that a monster has come and taken up residence in their own body!

photo of parasites in the human body

Thanks to these materials, smart people are better equipped to protect themselves and their loved ones.But no one should do anything alone to destroy unwanted “guests”.

If the parasites are different, the treatment is not always the same.They don't give the same pill for lice and roundworms;there are significant differences in lifestyle, places of settlement and method of infection.First, the type of helminth and the direction of its harmful activity are determined, and only then the doctor selects the medicine taking into account the age and other health characteristics of each patient.

Thus, having received sufficient information about the types of worms, symptoms and degree of damage, the reader will be able to make a diagnosis and pass the appropriate tests, which will be prescribed by a parasitologist.Not all worms are equally dangerous, but any of them poisons the body with residues of their vital activity, and each of them feeds on something of ours: food or body tissues.

For your information.The term "parasite" comes from the Greek word for parasite.Two or more organisms live side by side, but one “sits on the neck” of the other, feeding and reproducing at the expense of the others.The digestive system may contain multicellular helminths and protozoa.Tapeworms, roundworms and pinworms are quite common.They have a relatively complex body structure.

The vast majority of helminths have a negative effect on the general well-being and health of a person, provoking the development of very serious diseases.Keeping this in mind, when the first signs of illness appear that do not go away with treatment of a cold or rash with headaches, you should see a doctor for a diagnostic consultation.

Today, doctors have enough high-precision methods and technologies to confirm or refute suspected parasitic worm infection.If helminths are detected, only a specialist can choose the most appropriate course of treatment.

How to prevent helminth infestation?Do you need to constantly limit yourself to one or another vacation, literally “squeezing” your life into an addiction by observing complex postulates?

In fact, intestinal parasite infection and subsequent treatment can be avoided if we follow very simple rules:

  • wash your hands only with soap;
  • drink filtered water;
  • Not only wash fruits and vegetables with water, but it is better to even pour them with boiling water;
  • do not allow swimming in polluted waters;
  • meat and fish products must undergo mandatory heat treatment;
  • children's toys used outside are disinfected;
  • Vaccinate pets against parasites.

Conclusion

But everyone needs to start with themselves, because all modern achievements mean nothing if you simply neglect personal hygiene and preventive measures for family members living in our house.Being attentive to your health, detecting it in time (if infection has occurred), starting treatment competently and in a timely manner - all this will help prevent a major disaster on a personal level and the spread of the disease in your environment.

It is much easier to prevent parasitic worms than to have health problems, all kinds of disorders and fever, and still have to follow the rules.Only this is no longer a hygiene course, but treatment, diet and restoration of immunity.And it's good if there is no surgery.Take care of yourself, it's easier.